Innsbruck has attracted visitors for hundreds of years – from imperial families who used it as their summer retreat, to ski-lovers and history buffs. This picturesque city has something for everyone, and with the mountains on your doorstep, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do.
Innsbruck’s Old Town is rich in history and architecture. The buildings here have all been very well preserved, and a stroll along the cobbled streets is a must. Enjoy a coffee on Herzog-Friedrich Strasse, looking up at the gleaming Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), then wander along bustling Maria-Theresien Strasse to admire St Anne’s Column (Annasäule), with the peak of Hafelekar Mountain looming in the background.
Many of the roads in Innsbruck take their names from Austria’s imperial past, and the House of Habsburg built many important buildings and monuments here. The highly decorative Imperial Palace (Hofburg) was the imperial family’s holiday home for generations, while Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras), sitting high above Innsbruck, was renovated by Archduke Ferdinand II for his wife, and today houses his collections of oddities from around the world.
Religion plays an important role in life in this area of Austria, and the beautiful churches you will find here bear testament to this fact. The magnificent Court Church (Hofkirche) was built to house the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. Just outside the city, you’ll find the ornate Wilten Basilica which has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries.
Wherever you are in Innsbruck, you can’t miss the majestic mountains that tower above you. These can be enjoyed in all seasons – skiers and snowboarders will find excellent on and off-piste opportunities here in winter, and walkers and climbers can enjoy the warmer months. All of the equipment you need can be acquired in town. Even if you aren’t feeling active, a ride on the Nordkette Cable Car is a great way of seeing the panoramas that this region has to offer.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re in for a treat! Austrian food ranges from hearty stews and breaded schnitzel to delicate pastries, washed down with rich hot chocolate. Book a table at Ottoburg for the best food in town – this restaurant has been a feature of Innsbruck for over 250 years!
